This guideline has been adapted for statewide use with the support of the Victorian Paediatric Clinical Network

See also:

Background to condition:

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. The five species that infect humans are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P.
ovale, P. malariae, andP. knowlesi.

Severe malaria is largely caused by P. falciparum, though children with vivax and knowlesi malaria can also present seriously ill.

Liver hypnozoite eradication eliminates thePlasmodium forms that lie dormant in the liver that can cause relapse of illness months to years later. Only P.
vivax and P. ovale produce hyponozoite forms. Those infected with P. vivax, P. ovale, or an unknown species must be treated with a course of primaquine to prevent relapse.

Caution: Young children, especially those <5 years of age, are particularly prone to rapid deterioration and experience higher rates of severe and cerebral malaria than adults.

Assessment:

Who should be
assessed

Any patient with a fever who has returned from an endemic malaria region (See
CDCfor more information) in the previous 12
months should be assessed for malaria (even if prophylaxis was taken).